Mistake 1: Confusing Navigation

Navigation is the backbone of usability. If visitors can’t find what they need in under 5 seconds, they’ll leave. Overstuffed menus, vague labels, and hidden links are common culprits. The fix is simple: keep top-level options limited to 5–7, use clear language, and ensure a visible search bar.

Mistake 2: Weak Visual Hierarchy

Users scan before they read. If every headline looks identical or if CTAs blend into the background, conversions plummet. Establish a strong type scale and use consistent spacing to guide the eye. Reserve one accent color exclusively for CTAs.

Mistake 3: Sluggish Performance

Nothing kills engagement like a slow site. Users expect near-instant responses, and even 200 milliseconds of delay add up. Optimize assets, lazy-load media, and minimize render-blocking scripts. Treat performance as part of the design process.

Mistake 4: Accessibility Gaps

Accessibility is often overlooked. Inaccessible sites not only exclude users with disabilities but also risk legal consequences. Follow WCAG guidelines: provide sufficient color contrast, ensure keyboard navigation, and use semantic HTML.

• Contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for body text
• Visible focus states for links and buttons
• Headings structured in logical order

Mistake 5: Overwhelming Forms

Long forms with unnecessary fields discourage users from completing them. Focus on essentials, provide inline validation, and consider breaking long forms into multi-step flows. User-friendly forms increase conversions significantly.

“Good UX feels effortless. Bad UX is remembered long after a visit.”

Conclusion

These five mistakes may seem small, but together they create major friction. By fixing navigation, hierarchy, performance, accessibility, and forms, businesses can transform their websites into high-converting, user-friendly experiences. Great design is not just about aesthetics — it’s about removing barriers between users and their goals.